Kitchenaid Part Deux

So Amazon sent out this email a few weeks back asking me to vote for my favorite of 3 items for a total of 6 rounds. The item from each round with the highest number of votes would be available to a select few for a ridiculously low purchase price. The one and only item I was interested in was the Kitchenaid Pro 600 watt that retails for $499.99, but Amazon would sell for $69.99.

As luck would have it I wasn't chosen for the first 5 rounds, but I was selected for round 6 - the same round with my brand spankin new kitchenaid mixer. So people were excited but suspicious when I shared the good news and someone with a name similar to Barol scoffed, sure it was one of those too good to be true situations. So I set my alarm for 6:30 am, knowing only 500 were available, only to find that our internet at the homestead was down. Alas at 6:43 a.m. it was up and running, I raced to login to my email, then amazon and clicked on the link only to find out that they'd sold out in record time. Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Needless to say I was NOT the happiest of campers. I scrolled down and noticed several Amazon customers who commented about the sham, disbelieving that 500 people could've clicked "add to cart" before they did. Clearly Amazon did not send this email to a select 500 customers - they most likely sent it to thousands, all with working internet connections and quick fingers at such an unholy hour...

Sure it was only available in penguin black, which would surely clash with my retro mid-century aesthetic, but I wanted it so badly. It truly seemed meant to be. Clearly it wasn't and I should just shut up and be happy with my newly acquired seafoam green mixer from the 60's. Ah well.

For The Collection

While I don't have a kitchen to call my own, I'm still seeking out fun little items to add to my vintage decor. And as of today, I'm the proud new owner of this gem:







My very own Vintage KitchenAid Model 3-B Seafoam Mixer complete with original bowl! Isn't she just perfect for my kitchen countertop? I know she looks a little beat up, but my opinion is that it adds to her overall charm. It's in working condition but I don't think I'll actually use her...

Mmmm

What do you get when you add Trader Joe's Pumpkin Muffin mix, Betty Crocker cream cheese frosting (far superior to Pillsbury...) and top them with mini chocolate chips? Really happy co-workers!!! Add this recipe to things to make at our future bakery.

I'd post a picture, but they're already on the main desk and I'd probably look really full of myself if I started a cupcake photoshoot for all to witness...if I didnt already buy all my ingredients for the Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake & Pumpkin Pie Wontons I'd make these instead!

Abnormal

I finally got a call back from the dermatologist saying that both mole biopsies show abnormal cells. When I asked what that means exactly she went on to explain - only she used medical lingo that was way over my head. When I asked if these could be cancerous she said I'll just have to watch them closely to make sure they're healing properly and not growing back. If they do come back I'll have to have a different kind of surgery. If all heals well I just need to have them re-checked in 3-6 months.

Auntie C - have you ever had any come back abnormal and if yes is this anything to fret over?

Northern Lights

This past weekend the fam rented a granny mobile and drove up north. One thing about these granny boats is that you'd expect all kinds of room to stretch out and chillax, however, in this case about 50% of the car was the trunk.

We stopped off at our usual, Harris Ranch, for lunch and spotted Jason Hervey aka "Wayne" Kevin Arnold's older brother on The Wonder Years. That was the only positive thing about that stop - the server was rude, the food was so-so & wayyy overpriced. Boo.

We finally reached the Baham's house and ate dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. It was lights out early because we were going to the city in the a.m. All the ladies rode BART to Powell St and started our day off at Sears Fine Foods - famous for their swedish pancakes & home of Al's Special (swedish pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns & cornbeef hash). TO DIE FOR. We all split up and went shopping all over Union Square and we witnessed a HUGE group of people protesting the passing of Prop 8. It was overwhelming and emotional to hear that many people chanting, holding signs and people all around us were cheering them on. Truly one of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed. It felt nice to be back in a place that is so accepting of other people and I teared up a bit alongside Mary as we watched every single one of them pass us by.







I guess over 1 million people around the US were out protesting on Nov 15th - wowww!

We saw Changeling that night and it was soooo good. I've heard people say they heard it was slow and uninteresting - I disagree. Every single person was perfectly cast and Angelina deserves an Oscar for sure. Very haunting & disturbing at times, but worth paying $10 to see.

The drive home was interesting - Dad seemed sleepy so I took over for a few hours and then Mom drove from the Grapevine on. It was a family affair. (In case you're wondering - Mary isnt 25 yet and can't legally drive a rental car). We spotted some fires on the hillsides outside Castaic on the way and it was very smokey. We all guessed the exact time we'd pull up to the house - Mom guessed 9:40 and then changed it to 9:50, Tony guessed 10:05, Mary - 10:00 and I guessed 10:23. We pulled up at 9:45 on the nose, which means Mom won (nothing but a chance to gloat) and yet she was also the driver...coincidence or scam?

Don't Know What You've Got Till It's Gone

Sings the infamous Joni Mitchell. She probably wasn't singing about Pumpkin Curry and all of its bountiful glory, but I digress...

I was introduced to the wonder that is pumpkin curry while living in SF. I was hooked with the first bite. I've always proclaimed my hatred for curry and it's smell, but this is different, I assure you. It's sweet and intoxicating and now it is no more.



How was I to know that this isn't a common dish at Thai Restaurants? That Sri Thai on Lincoln Ave was unique? I called about seven places last night and every time I got the same response. First a hushed laugh, followed by an "Excuse me?" Followed by "Did you say pump-kin curry?" Yes. "No we don't have that here." Click.



I had to settle for Carls Jr. and let me tell you - Carls is NO substitute for pumpkin curry. Waaaaaaaaah.

Mixed Emotions

I watched and listened to Obama's speech last night with chills and a few tears. It was one of those I'll never forget this moment kind of moments. It was transformational where I felt like we do have an impact and we will come together and change for the better. I'm baffled that not everyone is on board and it's hard to understand where they're coming from. I'm really trying.

But this morning I am heartbroken.

I'm shocked and disheartened that prop 8 passed. We've come so far how can discrimination still be alive on such a huge level? A friend shared this article with me and so I will share it with you, my 3 readers. I couldn't have put it better myself and I won' t even attempt to:

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/11/stripped-of-the.html

The Hunt For The Ideal Black Purse

It's been tricky, folks. I'm not one who is typically drawn to black. And so when it comes to finding a black purse it's nearly impossible. Most of them I see are too dull or way too shiny, almost plastic-ky. I found one I adored in this little boutique on Haight St while living in SF. When I took it home and loaded her up there was this overwhelming fish smell. I was paranoid every time I used it, not wanting passers by to think it was me & not the bag. It went away eventually and was told by many it was the smell of fake leather.



It wasn't a happy union - the bag was very difficult to get stuff out of and I was constantly feeling like I lost stuff when really it was just "lost" in the deep dark pits of the fish purse. She eventually pooped out on me and a huge wire rod poked through the "leather" and snagged many a blouse of mine.



Alas, after many months of searching I found one that struck my fancy. I hope she's better to me than the last...

Halloween Cuppies

I wanted to make Halloween Cuppies this year for work. I feel a bit self concious now because I have professional bakers for cousins, however, for a first try these turned out pretty well...



If you're curious...those are plastic rings as centerpieces...



On a side note, it took me about twice as long to post pix as it did for me to bake the damn things. Am I really old or is the new photobucket very UN-user friendly???

The Linkery

This is a little past due...my apologies. When I went to visit Ali in SD the weekend of October 10th she took me to this FABULOUS place called The Linkery http://www.thelinkery.com/ They have the same farm-to-table attitude as my beloved Park Chow of SF. I know not everyone is big on sausage, but they have DELISH options like chicken w/ apple and chicken cordon bleu...Mmmm. I highly recommend the Picnic Plate with 2 links. You'd likey. Trust me.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonzo/2593814535/in/photostream/

Those potatoes...that slaw...dreamy.

Dummy

So I was hanging out with the cousin yesterday, harping on her for not posting any new blogs (I'd been checking everyday) only to hear that she'd posted about 4. Glad I brought that to her attention because she & her mother realized I'd had a specific posting saved to my favorites and not the blog itself...special times. Happy to report I've since fixed the problem and I'm back in action.



On a side note, how does one set up their blog to allow "followers" and does anyone want to be one of mine? :)

Intimate Quarters

Yesterday I had an appointment with a dermatologist to have a full body mole check. I've never had this done, but thought it'd be a good idea to get checked out since I used to use tanning beds. I had to strip down to my unders (thank goodness it wasn't a thong kind of day...)and she didnt leave a single nook or cranny unturned! She checked EVERYTHING even in between the toes...wasn't quite prepared for that. I'm just thankful they gave me a female doc last minute because I was in all my glory, trying not to act too proud.

She ended up removing two moles and I should get those results in about 3 wks. Hoping she's just extra cautious and that its nothing big. Stay tuned!

Unabashed Love & Adoration

With so many serious things going on in life around me, it's nice to come home to a new episode of Gossip Girl. While I'm sure I'm older than the intended target audience, I am such a loyal fan, having not missed a single episode since its debut. I am such a closet Chuck fan that it's verging on non-closet status these days. I secretly root him on with every episode - especially when he's THIS CLOSE to winning Blair over again. Whew! And did he ever turn the tables on her sneaky arse last night...hah! Is anyone out there with me?!?!

Something Much Larger Than I

I don't know enough about the economic crisis that's happening right now to really get into depth, but it's very strange to feel like the depression of the 1920's is happening all over again. Banks are going bankrupt, large chains like Mervyns & Linens N Things are going out of business & I even saw a House Forclosure Auction advertised on tv. I've never been alive for something like this and it's scary not knowing what's ahead or how much it will affect me on a personal level (which sounds more selfish than I mean for it to...). I want to just hide under a big fluffy pillow...wake me when it's over.

New Music

October has been a good month for the music lover in me. Ingrid Michaelson, Rachael Yamagata & Ray LaMontagne all released new albums. I was up till 1 a.m. listening to new stuff and I actually started writing. There is something about a really good song that brings words out of me and it felt great. I havent written since February when I was forced to for assignments. I needed to take a break because I started dreading it. I'm not certain that the break is over with, but I'm open to new possibilities. Maybe I should've gone the lyrics route from the getgo...?

Don't Be Fooled

Kind of a bummer find today. I stopped at Subway for lunch and since I've been trying to get back on the healthy track, I ordered a 6 inch turkey sub. Come to find out the herbs & cheese bread I chose is 6 pts as opposed to wheat @ 4 pts. Also, the chipotle sauce is 3 pts as opposed to 1 pt for sweet onion!! So en toto (in total ;) ) the sub was a whopping 12 points! That's two bites shy of a big mac. Ouch.

Final Sesh

So last night was my final night with Thor (a nickname I've lovingly applied to my beast trainer). And I must admit - I ended up warming to her in the end. Well, either that or I was so scared I just found myself laughing at everything, assuming she was just joking when telling passers by to "F off" and referring to all males as "a-holes" (I'm sensoring here). I can't imagine a world where we all act like that at work...can you?

Ironically (dare I call it irony and be incorrect only to be corrected...?) we spotted a GIGANTIC woman last night who was towering at 6'5 who passed us by and Thor says in her thick Romanian (yes, its been confirmed) accent, "You are taller than me...unacceptable." So I laugh on command and the giant mutters something, clearly upset by this. So the entire session Thor keeps asking where the freak went to and finally I said to her that I'm pretty sure "she" used to be a "he." It was as if she'd never heard of such a thing - she was stunned. I call this irony because when I first met Thor I thought she had too once been a man...

As for the aftermath of training...I let out a painful "uggg" and it feels like I'm walking around with 50 lb weights on each thigh and 10 pounders under my arse. It's pretty ugly. I don't plan on getting suckered into anymore sessions, but stay tuned...you never know the persuasive ways of a Romanian giant.

Blood Type

So I met with my trainer, Mirella, Tues night and she was the ONE trainer I feared. I'd seen her around before and she looks INTENSE. She's about 6'2 and all muscle - short cropped blonde hair with a very masculine edge to her.

So I was interviewed for several minutes as to why I was there, reasons I'd gained weight, but with every question she'd pose I was constantly fearful I was giving the wrong answers. When she asked me what proteins I ate, I listed chicken, beef, turkey and in her thick Russian accent she says "OK you not going to answer me that, we move on." Flustered, I started spewing off any protein I could think of...beans, roast beef, ham, corned beef...aghh! Scary right?

She's big into the Blood Type Diet and was 95% sure I was Type A so I just ran with it. This means I cant eat beef of any kind, yellow cheeses or whole wheat because they slow my body down. She also wants me off the birth control and to get my thyroid checked out. Mirella means business. I'm trying to consider her ideas because she is all lean muscle and knows her stuff. After sharing that I'd just rejoined WW (kind of a lie as I havent yet...), she responds with, "Weight Watchers doesnt know shit." Clearly she has a beef with their program...

Why does every training session have to be so dramatic?!

I'd Like To Be Proven Wrong...

After having to reschedule my as-of-yet unscheduled training session 3 times now - I'm not pleased. What is it with every 24 Hour Fitness Manager being incapable of sticking to what they said they'd do?! So while I don't want to get my hopes up, I think I have my first of five training sessions tonight with "Marella." I don't use quotes as to imply that it's her alleged name, but they've moved me around to so many people now that I'm trying to remember if that's even who I'm supposed to meet up with...

So stay tuned!! It should be interesting trying to cram in five sessions before they expire on the 13th!

A Taste of San Francisco

This morning, my last Saturday in SF, I woke up early to meet Kristy for one last meal at Sears Fine Foods (YUMMM). As I was getting ready I looked out my bedroom window and noticed this beat up red volvo parked a good two feet from the curb, blocking our driveway/garage and there were huge chunks of broken glass next to the car. I figured it'd been abandoned there until I looked down ten minutes later and saw sweaty feet pressed up against the back window. Someone was merely taking I siesta...in front of our driveway. Quaint.

So when I was leaving for Sears I knocked on the window and this man opens the car door and stumbles out, saying that he lives in his car, he ran out of gas, lost his one & only key and ended up there on his way home from a party. What a story. So I explained that it wasnt a curb and he was blocking our garages, couldnt park there and that I need it moved within the hour. Five hours later the car is still there with a ticket on the window, but the man has disappeared. We didn't want to have it towed seeing as it's someones house but it's starting to get old.

Only in San Francisco...

See Spot Run

I have an eye exam today at 1. I've never gone anywhere but Dr. Hawley's but I'm desperate to get a pair of driving glasses. I'm not all that confident that Lenscrafters will provide a top-of-the-line exam, but stay tuned...

This should make everyone who rides in the car with me more relaxed as I'll no longer have to say "I can't see a thing so I'll need you to read the signs for me." I can't believe any of you actually got in, strapped yourself in and went along with it! You're all nuts.

The best news is that the frames will be ready by the end of today...score! I just hope that insurance pays for some of it...I'm not holding my breath.

Spotted

Just got back from lunch with Kristy at Olive Garden and spotted my trainer there. He didn't see me, thank goodness. I'm hoping to avoid until my move. The last thing I wanted was for him to come to the table and survey my food choices (not that he's one to talk...) But we were good and just split the lunch spag with meatballs and might I say OG makes one mean meatball. VERY delish.

It was so fun having someone here in the city with me. She stayed the night after we went to Yoshi's Jazz Club and we walked to Starbucks this morning. I wish I'd had a friend here all along because I feel like I would've made so much more of a life with my time instead of hiding myself away in this apartment!! Oh well...such is life!

Less Than Two Weeks

Time is winding down here and I have less than two weeks before the big move. Ashley is set to move out this coming weekend and it will be VERY strange living in a furniture-less apartment for a week. Surveying my bedroom, I feel there is still quite a bit that needs to get done. It's a tricky situation because I don't quite know what all I'll need and I don't want to go packing everything only to re-open boxes. Tough sitch.

I tried the 100 cal pack cinnamon streusel cupcakes and they are DELISH and only 1 pt. They are the closest thing to a donut you can find.

I am very sad to report, however, that their blueberry muffin friends are one of the worst treats I've ever tasted. They were SO artificially flavored and overloaded with fake blueberry stuff that I had to chase them with a tall glass of milk. NO BUENO.

This past Friday I watched a funny movie Year of The Dog with Molly Shannon. She takes dog obsession to a whole new level...some parts are a bit sad though...just a warning that I wish Netflix would've shared with me!

Quandry

If you buy a package of hotdogs that was set to expire on July 8th but you froze them and then defrosted about a week ago...How long are they good for? When is the date of no return? I didn't notice said expiration date until two days ago and I'm still alive...but my days might be numbered. Thoughts?

Oddity

In all my years of buying shredded cheese by the bag, this is a first. I was measuring out my cheese and a HUGE cheese cube falls out!! Isn't this what I paid for? For them to shred it for me? Very strange...

Yum!

I'm in the last stretch here before I move out of my SF apartment. On my way to Staples to buy moving supplies I noticed so many divey restaurants and bakeries that looked like they'd be fun to check out. I never really explored to much of this city and a huge part of me wishes that I had. There's always time in future visits I guess.

On a foodie note, I have a couple of food finds for you...

Super Pretzels & Tostitos Salsa Con Queso. The pretzel itself is 3 pts. 2 Tbs of queso (which is more than enough for a pretzel) is 1 point! I know!! It's DELISH and I've been having it as a snack everyday.

Also, Multigrain Cheerios are delish and lightly sweetened...1 cup is 2 pts just like standard Cheerios.

I just picked up a box of Bagelfuls (freezer section). The plain are 4 pts a piece and they are sooo tasty. Its an eggroll-like shaped bagel filled with cream cheese. Tons of different flavors but I thought I'd start off with Plain.

Enjoy!

I Don't You That Well But...

Jen was over Sunday night and we looked through all 4 high school yearbooks. We've been meaning to do this ever since Myspace came around so we could have a list of names to search out. We didn't quite get that far but we did read through my comments and about 10 started with the not-so-friendly, "I don't know you that well but you seem cool." I ask you WHY start a note off like that? Even if I didn't know you that well I still asked you to sign my yearbook. Couldn't this be phrased in a friendlier way such as "I wish we'd had more time to get to know each other..." something along those lines perhaps. At this point it's just laughable and many people only signed first names so I have NO CLUE who they are. I used to know just about every name and nickname of my class and I'm afraid my memory is starting to fail me.

Busy Busy

I've only been in LA for about 36 hours and already I've got my week booked up. This is never the case in SF so it takes some adjusting. Not to mention work is a completely different experience. I'm used to dead silence and the occasional ONE ringing phone. Here I've got ten people, a dog, several lines ringing at once all while I'm on a call with a client. It's exhausting. I guess I've grown a little too used to my hermit lifestyle :)

Mary & I have our Ingrid Michaelson/Greg Laswell concert tonight! I've been looking forward to seeing them (for a 3rd time...) the only part I dread is the standing for several hours. Woe is me, right?

-Tomorrow night I get to have dinner with Jen and see her new place! Finally. Although I dont have a car which makes things a bit trickier.
-Friday Mary & I are having dinner with Michelle (and sweet bun) before she moves to CO
-Saturday I get to hit the town with Jen in her new city! And then Sunday we're taking the girls to the dog park...they'll love it!

We also picked out our NY dates! Mom & I are going Aug 9th and Mary & Dad are joining us the 15th and we'll stay thru the 24th. I seriously can't wait!! Mom and I have to go back early to pick out furniture and the necessities...oven, fridge, tv etc. It'll be such a new experience now that the house is ours...it hasn't fully sunk in yet!

Spottie Dottie

So my "tan" actually turned out pretty nicely. I felt like a bronzed Caribbean goddess walking the streets - I've never had such color. That is until I met up with Mary and Kelly in AZ and they out tanned me right away. I went back to being the whitest girl in the group.

The thing is, no one tells you that the tan doesnt just fade over time. Instead, you turn white in huge patches, leaving dark orangey spots where you might have some dry skin. So now I look like I have a serious skin condition on both arms. Something I hope a nice tough loofah will clear up.

Arizona was so much fun and I think the girls really enjoyed themselves. Hopefully pictures will soon follow and I'll post up some really funny (unflattering) shots of me. We gave the girls a nice taste of 4th street where Congress, Plush, IBTs etc. are. John's party was a classy event and I even changed things up a bit with my deviled eggs recipe. John had me use honey dijon instead of the standard yellow mustard and it was heaven!! Very tasty and they went faster than normal. The heat was unbearable and I was probably the biggest complainer of all time...and nobody likes a sourpuss so you can imagine how many friends I made (lost) this trip :)

If I Come Out Orange In The Morning...

I was semi-peer pressured into spray tanning tonight. Mar & Kel were going before AZ so I thought I'd jump on the band wagon since I'm EXTREMELY pale these days (okay all days). I found a place that was about 15 mins away. I knew the main gist but I was assured that there'd be a video to watch beforehand for newbies. Not so at Corona Del Sol.

The guy led me up to the room, went over the directions and then let me at it. There were no goggles - only booties & a hair cap. I didnt know exactly what direction the spray would be coming from so I decided to just jump in and close my eyes. From what M & K have told me there are two spraying times - in between you turn your back to the sprayers. I had just one 6 second spray where I had to spin myself around in circles.

I got out covered in what looked like muddy water. I rubbed in as much as I could - there was lots of excess. The color still hasnt sunk in yet so I imagine I'll wake to a nice shade of tan...errr orangey brown. Either way I figure I have a few days before the big Summertime Cocktails party at John's in AZ...

Sleeping Pattern In The Sunset

It takes me awhile to fall asleep - sometimes up to an hour. But once I do I sleep so heavily that if woken abruptly I get extremely nauseous (Jen can attest to this). Last week I woke in the middle of the night to what I thought was our alarm going off. I jumped up and sat on the edge of my bed wondering if I should stay in my room and lock my door or if I should scour the place. Once the alarm stopped I walked throughout the apartment, peaking in every room, checking the locks with my arms up like I was about to karate chop someone. Mind you I've never taken a karate lesson. Why I didnt take my pepper spray instead of trusting on my non-martial arts skills, I don't know. There was no one there - it was a car alarm with the identical sound. Go figure.

Last night I was woken again by the sound of someone jiggling on my bedroom door. The roommate wasnt home. My door wasn't locked. I panicked again. I finally came to enough to realize that it wasnt someone jiggling at my door - it was my damn shoerack falling apart AGAIN. The poles loosened and heels hit the door on their fall to the ground. This happened twice last night. By the second time I was well aware and fell right back to sleep. It is unpleasant to be woken in the middle of the night especially for someone like me who always thinks the worst when this happens. I watch too much Forensic Files.

Alright Already

Last night I broke my reading-before-bed rule. This isn't really an excuse, but it happened during the usual reading time. I was on the can, I heard gunshots or fireworks...not sure, stood up, waddled over to the bathroom window, listened as about 10 more "pows" went off. Ashley called my name, I quickly yanked up my pants and opened the door, she walked in and I said "I just peed!" because I didn't know what else to say. I felt like a proud 3 year old in training. I guess I said it because I hadn't been given adequate flushing time. I digress.

So we talked it over and assured each other that it was just firecrackers. We peaked out the windows towards the park and saw nothing. Then we heard them again. Firecrackers are quick and overlapping, these were spaced just enough to be gunshots. We probably heard about 20 shots at least within 2 minutes. So we called the local police and people had been reporting gunshots near Geary & 31st which is on the other side of the park. Nothing has been on the news or is online. Yet.

I'm leaving, I'm leaving...can the violence die down for a month or so while I finish packing?!

My New Rule

So I have this new rule (it's only been in effect for two days, today makes three) where instead of watching tv after climbing into bed for the night I read a book. I spend most of my time after work watching tv and it never ends (plus I just watched Fahrenheit 451 and it really made me miss my literature). I actually got through a book in two days! It was this memoir titled Strangers In The House and it was all over the place but I kept pluggin away at it and got it finished. I didn't think this far ahead because now the daunting task is upon me to pick my next literary selection.

Tonight I actually cooked. I've been whipping things up here and there, but I got away from cooking & baking so it felt good to be back in it again. I made caramel apple pork chops and they were just as tasty as they sound...and weight watcher friendly. For dessert I baked a banana bread pie, which sounds weird but it was heaven. You serve it warm with some fat free whipped cream on top. If you're interested, both recipes were found on http://www.aimeesadventures.com/

Michelle & Mateo were in town all last week and I got to take them to a few of my favorite places. We went to Park Chow, Cheesecake Factory, Fog Harbor Fish House & even the Daly City theatres for a little Sex & The City (sorry Jen...I feel I'm betraying you even putting that in writing). We had a really good week and I actually stuck to my workout plan and even halved my meals either with Michelle or took leftovers home - something I never do. So I'm curious to see what the results will be tomorrow at weigh in.

The most unfortunate incident of the week was when we took a taxi into Union Square, our hungry hearts set on Sears Fine Foods only to learn that they stop serving breakfast at 3. It was like some cruel joke that never ended. We, embarrassed and distraught, picked up our things and walked out of there trying to explain our lone reason for traveling there in the first place - breakfast! It took almost the entire night to get over...wahhhhh. I'm leaving in a little over a month and I need to get in as much of Al's Special as I can. My family, Kel & Michelle can vouch for me on this one...no matter what diet you're following there's always a bending of the rules when it comes to this place & breakfast.

RIP Carrie

I went for a walk yesterday during my lunch and just as I was entering Golden Gate Park I saw a huge "RIP CARRIE" note spray painted on the sidewalk. This is new. My first thought was Carrie was the woman I heard screaming a month back and didnt call the police right away. But Ashley was just there for Bay to Breakers and says it wasnt there last Sunday so I guess I'm off the hook. It was really creepy though and I was tempted to leave a note asking who Carrie was. I thought they could even call my 800 # annonymously to give me the scoop but realized that I'd probably just get a bunch of prank phone calls and that wouldn't solve anything.

I, for the first time since moving here, was prepared and had pepper spray in my jacket pocket just in case. I'd run my hand over the outside of the pocket every few minutes to make sure it was still in there. Needless to say I didnt need it and I'm still here today. RIP Carrie.

The Honeymoon Is Over

This morning I decided to eat one of my trusty Jimmy Dean Low Fat breakfast sandwiches. I was unwrapping her from the package when much to my dismay there was NO CHEESE!! As in someone at the packaging plant decided that A-they wanted the frozen cheese slice for themselves or B- that they'd play a little prank on their number one fan. NOT COOL, JIMMY! This is the thanks I get after being such a loyal supporter? Buying these at full price and telling every Tom, Dick & Harry about them? I don't know...I guess I just expected more from Jimmy. Clearly he's been on vacation and not down at the plant checking off each & every package...

Updates

I weighed in tonight and I'm up 0.2. I guess I'm not surprised - I'm surprised its not more of a weight gain because I've gone over my daily points everyday since Friday. Ah well. My goal for this coming week is to get on the exercise train.

So some new goody updates...

-Top Ramen has a new Low Fat option out there and it's only 4 pts for the ENTIRE package. I've tried the chicken & beef flavors - both are tasty. They also have 25% less sodium if you're concerned.

-I think I've already drooled over the peanut butter bliss 1 pt WW bars (they sell these at meeting sites) but tonight I tried the dark chocolate & raspberry combo and OH MY GOODNESS! I've always loved these flavors together but in a 1 point candy bar form?! So great.

Just a goofy side note...I was watching Barefoot Contessa before my meeting and she was serving up a mediterranean style dish. She kept pronouncing the word hummus as HOOmus. I figured I'd been mispronouncing it this entire time but I checked with Ami - from the native country - and she said The B.C. was definitely incorrect. Why wouldnt her show people correct her? How embarassing. Now I'm going to call it HOOmus just for fun :) Please join me.

My First Adult Purchase

I bought a couch today! It's the best one I've ever seen and I couldn't stop thinking about it when it was on sale a few weeks back. Then it went up $200 and I was kicking myself. So I checked today and it was back on sale for Memorial Day and I got an additional 10% off.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=251414&CategoryID=35377&LinkType=SiteAd&LinkLoc=29391&AdID=46148


The link is for the entire collection but scroll down to Corona Sofa. I bought it in "hampton pear." Note the vintage looking legs too! I'm obsessed. It's on backorder, which gives me some time to get a storage unit set up down south. Hooray for me becomming an adult!

Bloody Hot

It is unruly hot here in the city. It never gets like this - it's some kind of heatwave that I didnt sign on for.

I weighed in last night and lost 0.6 so overall I'm down 2.6 lbs. I know a loss is a loss and I always tell everyone else that but it is disappointing when you were setting your sights on a bigger number. Then again...0.6 is a miracle after the weekend I'd had.

I bought these 1 pt bars at the meeting. Marilyn brought these 1 pt peanut butter bliss bars along for the Yosemite trip and they were deeeelish. So I bought those and a chocolate caramel version which remind me of those 1 pt Skippy bars I used to get from Albertsons. Both are tasty but my heart lies with the pb bliss ones.

I booked my flight the other day to AZ for 6/18-6/22. From there I'll fly to LA through the 5th or 6th of July, depending on what we plan for the 4th! Can't wait!!

Sleep

I should be asleep but I can't fall. This will be brief...I'm going to the Baham's tomorrow night and then we're leaving for Yosemite early Saturday morning. I'm really looking forward to the trip despite my leaving packing till the last minute (need I reference my excel spreadsheet packing list, Jen?)

It's Official!

As if most of you didn't already know...I'm moving back to LA! I plan to stay thru my lease term which is mid-August. I just told the roomie yesterday and she was very supportive, which I expected. I also told Ami when I had her over for drinks & catch up chat last night. Everyone is really supporting me and it feels good.

I weighed in yesterday and I'm down 2 lbs! I stayed for the meeting and my leader is hillarious...a definite match for Darlene in Torrance. She talked about how slowly her weight came off and how she always found herself hating others who'd lose 5 lbs in a week. She said something like "whatever you do, don't hate yourself. Hate others! It's so much easier." I think I'll adopt that mantra :)

Another food find...

Ami brought over hummus last night from Traders and its called White Bean. It's only 1 pt for 2 Tbs and it is DIVINE. Go out and get some today. Sooo yummy.

Food Finds

Since I'm starting up on WW again I figured I could post new foods that I come across and like. So far I'm obsessed with these goodies:

Jimmy Dean's Low Fat Turkey Sausage Breakfast sandwiches (5 pts)
*TIP* Don't heat them for 2 mins like the package says - 1 min 20 secs is more than enough. It gets rubbery otherwise...

Candy Coated 100 cal packs in chocolate chip & oreo...OMG...so delish. (2 pts)

Weight Watchers choc chip cookies - 1 pt each. They sell these by the 1 pt cakes & 3 pt muffins...they are very tasty.

Observation

Went to my WW meeting wednesday night. My leader, Alison, is in her a late 60's-early 70's and has a sleeve tattoo on her left arm. She was wearing a jacket and the sleeves were only rolled up a bit to expose the tatt but it was just a shocking sight. It wasnt anything wild, just some colorful flowers but it was a definite sleeve. I know that when my generation is that age everyone will have tattoos all over the place and it'll be normalized, but I've never seen anything like this. Plus, she was dressed in age appropriate clothing. Has anyone else out there seen anything like this yet?

Poundage

Aside from sneaking into movies, I did manage to do something productive yesterday. I tracked my points for the entire day and even came out with 1 point leftover. I even took my own snackies to the theatre and they were delish.

I'm putting this in writing in hopes that I stick to it:

I'm rejoining Weight Watchers tomorrow

Movie Goer

Went to the movies last night and ended up seeing two for the price of one. To say it was accidental would be a lie - to say I'm super stealth...well...that'd be the truth. So I paid for Baby Mama and it was funny (although I feel like it was talked way up) and then I went to use the facilities and happened to stumble into Deception that had just started. I thought there were probably cameras that would catch me going from one room to the next and within minutes a theatre attendee would come in with a flashlight and ask to see my ticket. They never came.

My first time ever sneaking into a movie and I'm 25. What is my life coming to? Honestly though...I'm rather impressed with myself. So daring in my old age.

L.A. Lady

So I've been in LA since Sat the 5th. On Sunday the 6th we threw Bella & Peaches a 2nd birthday party. They were both a little timid about the birthday cake, but enjoyed all of their new babies (not that they need anymore). We even made a special trip to the dog park and Bella had yet another gentleman caller. Too bad she doesn't swing that way or she'd be set!

This past Sunday Mary surprised me for my birthday and took me to the Hotel Cafe Tour show at the El Rey. It was soooo fab and many of our fave artists performed. Joshua Radin even gave a surprise appearance and crazy arse Jim Bianco...and a guy named David Ford (or Tom Ford as Mary likes to call him).

I've been thinking A LOT about moving back to the area now that I've decided to quit the whole school thing. I'm going back & forth with the idea and haven't settled on any one place. I guess I'll just wait & see how the next few months play out. Part of me feels like moving back is like giving up. I know that's silly & its not a good reason to stay in SF. I'll keep you all posted & in the loop. I did have a talk with my boss about the possibility & if I could continue to work from home at least 3 days a week. At first he said no, but eventually said we could work something out. That would have a huge affect on me coming back.

High Crime

I'm flying home to LA tomorrow and I couldn't get out of here soon enough.

Last Friday there was a fatal shooting at the other end of my block on Irving between 19th & 20th Avenue. The papers are saying that it's gang related. Apparently a group from work were celebrating a high sales month and someone outside of the party tried to get in on free food. The shooter obviously takes his food VERY seriously because he shot and killed two people.

Thursday a.m. I woke to a woman screaming at the top of her lungs at 4:45 am. I wasn't sure if I'd dreamt it so I waited a few moments for another. Sure enough she screamed another blood-curdling scream. I have no doubt that she was screaming for her life. I jumped up out of my bed, panicked that I'd forgotten to dead bolt the door. I checked the alarm, the windows, the kitchen door...all were locked. I didn't see or hear anyone outside for another 30 minutes. My roommate was staying at her boyfriend's house and I didn't know who to call. Being SO close to the park I couldnt tell if the screams were coming from that direction or a nearby apartment.

I called my downstairs neighbor at about 10 am and she said her roommate heard the same screams & that I wasn't hearing things. I decided to call the local police and ask if anyone else had reported it. The guy gave me the same reaction everyone else had...why didn't I call in the minute I heard the screams? That same thought has been weighing heavily on my mind ever since. I still have no idea what direction the screams came from and I felt like I wouldn't have any information to offer the police. I never got a call back from the police dept and haven't seen any blurbs in the local news.

It's a chilling thought to think that had I called in right away I could've possibly saved this woman's life. I just hope that someone else called in right away or she scared the person off.

I don't know how to wrap this one up...I can't quite shake it.

I need to get this feeling back

I wrote this in december and never posted it...


Saturday, December 8, 2007

For the past week I've tried to sit down to write a blog, but nothing comes out. I am speechless and can't quite explain what's been going on. I'm not going to superstitious and think that because I'm about to write about how happy I've been, that I'm going to jinx myself.

While I don't understand this newfound happiness, I am delighted. I feel like I'm finally getting to know myself and the city and it all seems like a perfect fit. Most would find that odd since I've barely ventured out and I can't tell one neighborhodd from the next. Or maybe it's because I'm surrounding myself with really genuine optimistic people lately. I guess I don't need to know why or where it all came from, but I should just be thankful that the storms have passed.

I don't know if any of you have had the chance to read Alese's blog yet. It has impacted my life more than I ever thought a stranger could. I never knew her and yet listening to the stories that people shared at her funeral made me realize that I'm not fully living my life.Her family contacted me yesterday through my blog and I can't figure out the best way to get in touch with them so I decided I'd just continue to write about her life and how many people have been impacted by her electricity. All week I've shifted my thinking and realized how self-absorbed I tend to be. In conversations and emails, I am always focused around my life and what's going on with me. But this week something changed and I found myself wanting to live my life more like Alese.

http://alesecoco.org/journal.htm

Subway

I finally came to my senses and googled the nearest Subway. It's the one "restaurant" I truly miss they are scattered all over Torrance. So I found one and it's only 2 blocks past my favorite Safeway (aka Vons for you people). It's clearly run by an older married couple. They worked at a v-e-r-y s-l-o-w pace and they have their own set of rules. First off, they don't carry soup. NO SOUP. Secondly, I happen to be a Subway regular and I know the exact number of meats, cheeses & tomatoes they're supposed to put on any given size. Sad, but true. I pile on as many veggies as I can to really get bang for my buck, as they say, and when it comes to the black olives I always use my standard, "And a BIG handful of black olives, please." Sometimes I get the occasional nincomepoop who misses the "big handful" and just tosses 15 or so olives on. This stopped deterring me long ago and I always request more.

This Subway was different, however, in ways unimaginable. When I asked for the large helping of olives the woman said, "We only put six on a footlong." To which I shreiked, "SIX?!?!" She turned and pointed to the sign that said extra veggies costs 30 cents more. As though I didn't read the sign, I again said "SIX?!" So she said, "Ok, ok I give you few extra," she turned to her husband giving him a look that said I know I broke the rules but this woman is a nut! and proceeded to wrap up my sandwich and rush me out of the store. It wasn't a pretty site and I had no choice but to settle on my 10 olives. I savored each and every morsel.

I returned to the same shop yesterday for lunch and she smiled and laughed when she saw me and I took this as recognition. Who knows. This time when I asked for olives she didnt count out six (you can actually see her mouthing the count with the tomatoes & pickles) she was all loosey goosey about the rules and threw on at least 11. I will slowly wear her down until she willingly piles on "a BIG handful of black olives," just you wait and see...

My Trainer

So during last nights training sesh I learned some pretty valuable information about my trainer. I was telling him about Vegas and mentioned we'd seen Thunder and he paused for a second and then said that he used to be a stripper. He never worked at a club - just did private parties on the weekend. He was 18-20 so it was a few years back...Oh my. I, of course, had to ask tons of questions since I've never met a stripper - especially a male stripper!! It was so very entertaining.

And then the night was ruined when he had to take my body fat percentage, measurements & weight...never fun ESPECIALLY with a guy.

We got to talking and never got to training...so I got the session for free. Woohoo! I could get used to this :)

Vegas

This is the best I've felt since returning from a weekend in Vegas. Drinking to excess is never a smart thing to do when you've got to fly home the next day. Of course at the time it didn't seem like excess...but trust me - it was. My night ended earlier than everyone elses because I had to rush myself back to the room so I could do some throwing up. Dear K-Boom took care of me including holding my hair back & getting water & rolaids for me. I haven't thrown up since I was 21!! It was just a miserable day - I could barely stand, I was shaky and I didn't exactly make it out of the plane in one piece. Don't pity me...just slap me. That's the last time I try to hang drink-for-drink with the youngins. Clearly I'm too old for this!!

But a few highlights of the weekend were...

-Tao Friday night...best music ever...getting escorted out of Tao 2 hours later thanks in large part to Toth!

-Meeting our new friend Sash at Planet Dailies & him giving us safety tips for surviving Vegas. Loved him!

-Meeting up & gambling with cousin Ali and her b/f :)

-THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER - the show gets better every time & my beloved host, Marcus, was back on stage!!

Big Baby

I'm honestly trying my darndest not to be a big baby here, but I'm in SO MUCH PAIN!!! It's my second day since meeting with the trainer of pain and I'm hurting even worse than yesterday. I know from my Marine Bio class that it has something to do with the lactic acid and how that causes things to tighten up. Let me just say that lactic acid is a beotch (sorry Mom - I sensored). This issue better clear up by tomorrow because Mama's headin to Vegas! I checked in for my flight, booked my shuttle, the last thing I need to do is pack.

I'll just head over to Excel, open my Packing List spreadsheet and we're ready to go! Wish me luck...I'm hoping they won't have to rent a rascal scooter for me due to the bum legs so I can keep up with the kiddies...

Last weekend I met up with Kyle, Jen's cousin from Alaska. We met when we were 13 and then again at 19 and now at 25. There is something eerie going on here with the 6-year breaks. Not sure what that's about. We had such a great time in Sacramento. We ate really good food, taught ourselves a new drinking game (Drinking Uno), went to Ikea & Thunder Valley Casino (my favorite part!!). He even slept in a sleeping bag so that I could have his tiny twin bed all weekend...what a gent (okay I used physical force to get the bed but still). It's really exciting to have an old, good friend so close by.



Last night I met with my new trainer and I'm not able to walk normally today. Simple tasks like sitting on the toilet (TMI?) and standing back up cause me to let out these I'm-too-old-to-be-doing-this-put-me-in-diapers-already moans. I decided to give a birthday present to myself (hush hush I'm just rationalizing $$ spent) and buy 5 sessions with Kenny. He's the manager of all the trainers so I figure he's got to know A LOT about kicking my butt into shape. And he's my age & super chatty which I love.

Friday morning I leave for Vegas with the kiddies. I'm basically the chaperone since I'm the oldest one going. We are definitely seeing Thunder From Down Under (my 4th time!) so I'm excited :)

Napa Weekend

Friday night kicked off one amazing weekend. A group of 22 met up at Leslie's place on Bush & Steiner for drinks & food. Then we headed off to the Buena Vista on Hyde & Beach for the BEST irish coffees known to man.

Saturday morning we met up at 10, loaded up on the wine party bus and headed off to Napa! The a/c was not functioning properly and I was very hungover and a little car sick so I wasn't sure how I'd manage a day full of partying. But once we got out and I got some fresh air (and wine) I was good to go! We were well stocked with champagne, bread, cheese veggies...and the weather couldn't have been nicer.

Sunday we met up again at the Buena Vista for some irish coffees and then headed over to the Ferry Building down in Fisherman's Wharf. We ate lunch at Hog Island Oyster Co. where I was ballsy enough to try out their clam chowder (havent had it since age 5 when bit into a big chewy clam and went off the stuff). Look at this masterpiece: I actually had to scrape each clam out of its shell!

I also got a grilled cheese which was oozing with about 50 different kinds of cheese:

and the rest of the gang ordered oysters

After a nice long lunch we walked down about 22 piers and ended up at this biker bar called Pier 23. It was such a sunny day we headed out back on the patio and listened to the live music, played quarters and drank buckets full of Coronas.

I was very sad to see the weekend come to an end...I can't wait to get back down there again.

Coffee?

I was heading out to the gym tonight and ran into a guy that I met in front of our apt during this 6-car pile up accident about a month or two ago. He was about a block away when he turned back in my direction. I was standing there in all my gym-gear glory closing the garage. He waved & turned back to walk towards me. He wondered where I'd been, hadn't seen me around etc.

We talked for a few minutes and he asked what my plans were for the week & if I'd like to get coffee. So he got my number and texted me later so I'd have his. At the very least I'll have a new coffee buddy and I'm in desperate need of local friends so I'm excited.

He seems very laid back & funny so there's possibility here. AND...the best part is...the first time he saw me I had wet hair pulled back into a claw, pjs & unbrushed teeth (gross I know) and this time I had no make-up, spandex pants & a big white tee. And he still asked me out. I'm liking this guy already. I'll keep you all posted :)

For My Auntie C (assuming this is the news you were talking about...)

After several months of agony, I've decided to take the rest of the semester off. It took me a few days to write about it because I wanted to make sure it was what I really wanted and of course I worried about judgement and others not understanding my decision. But then I realized only about 3 of you read this anyways and you are just the type to support me no matter what.

So the good news is is that SFSU will hold my spot and I won't be dropped and have to reapply. I'll have until September to mull things over and decide what I want to do. I'm not writing off teaching all together but I really dont see myself as a professor. I just feel over the whole thing right now. I don't like the horrendous competition and one-upping each other, name dropping authors and quotes just to feel smarter than the next guy. I feel like I'm writing to meet some experimental kick that they all seem to be on and I haven't produced anything that I'm actually happy with. It started to feel like the one thing in my life that was dragging me down. So I took action and officially dropped today. I'm hoping the next several months will give me some time to dabble a bit with new possibilities.

I'm kind of freaking out because I realized that without school and working out of my bedroom everyday my social life will be VERY limited. VERY. So the last few days I've been in panic-mode over that.

Sweets For My Sweet

So I just gone done making chocolate covered gummy bears. And oh my goodness do they look good. I want to roll around in them. I even used Hershey's chocolate...my fave :) Okay so I know that you're thinking that I'm supposed to be on this diet blah blah blah. And I have to say to that that I've lost 3 lbs in 6 days AND it's Valentines Day AND Kelly is flying up for the weekend and they're going to be our movie treat. So there. Enough justifying.

A list of upcoming events/tour dates for your viewing pleasure:

2/14-2/17: Kelly is in town
3/7-3/9: Napa Wine Tour with d, John B & friends
3/21-3/23: Vegas!!!

and the biggie:
My next scheduled trip home to LA: 4/17-4/21**

Jen and I are turning 25!!! Exactly a week apart. I'll be home the weekend in between and we're going to plan a doozy for Saturday April 19th so keep your calendars clear!!

Cold Fingers

San Francisco really is as cold as they say. Aunt Marilyn wasn't lying when she told me several times how cold the nights get and she tends to always be warm-bodied. None of my wussy friends (Jen) would make it up here, I'm afraid. They'd constantly be wearing snow gear day in & day out. My fingers and toes bear the brunt of the frigid temps. And then my wallet come bill time because my roommate and I have the heater running 85% of the time. But I'm not complaining...this is actually one of the reasons why I love it up here. You see, I too am warm-bodied. And I too have a new fabulous collection of winter coats that I get to wear around town.

I am absolutely in love with my wednesday night class. Truly a god-send after last semester. It's the one where we put together the literary magazine. My calling. Seriously.

I've been enjoying David Sedaris' complete collection on cd. There is nothing better than David Sedaris unless it's him reading his stories to you. I know how odd I must look to other drivers when they look over and see me cocking my head back, in full laugh mode. They most likely lean forward to see who is in my passenger seat - who could be that funny? And then when they see no one seated beside me, they automatically presume that I'm one of those crazy folk hopped up on some LSD. I should put one of those magnets on my car or at least a hand written sign assuring them that I'm not crazy, I'm just in love with David Sedaris. The end.

Odd

I'll stop harping on this soon, but I've kind of lost myself in the back & forth lifestyle of LA & SF. I haven't been in any one place too long to feel like I know what's going on with me anymore. When I'm in LA things are always go-go-go. When I'm in SF I have so much alone time that I'm constantly in my head and less a part of the outside world. And I think I appreciate my lifestyle up here because of all the fun that I get to have in LA.

So anyways, I've had a bit of a rough go of this second semester, but it's finally all falling into place. I went to my 14 Hills class tonight and I'm just elated. Basically we're given packets of poems (the fiction peeps get stories) each week and we mark them up and come to the following class either fighting for or against the works & which we'd like to see in the magazine (book). The advising prof (he says we dont actually have a teacher and that we're more like a staff of editors) spent a great deal of time talking about Francois' of the world and how miserable they are. I found myself chuckling like a little girl many a time. What's better is that two people that had that workshop with me are in this class and we all bonded during that moment tonight. I guess the best part about this is realizing that not every class is run the way that workshop was and that clearly that's not the overall attitude of SFSU.

So basically I get to play editor and feel like a teacher, red pen in hand, and discuss the poems weekly but not in a workshopy way. My mother assured me a few nights ago that this class will be a perfect fit because I used to publish class newspapers all in my spare time. I'd completely forgotten that - both in 5th & 6th grade. What an odd little girl I was. What's more is that if I enjoy this class, which I plan to, there's potential for moving up in the ranks - like assistant poetry editor, poetry editor and even editor-in-chief - a paid position. Doesn't that sound like heaven to everyone? I know that's a doubtful assumption so I'll just rest assured that maybe this still is my calling and I won't quit the whole grad school thing quite yet.

Thank You

Came home to an email from the school with a list of open classes. There was one that fit in with my program (the others were fiction & playwriting) and so I emailed the professor. We went back & forth for a bit and I'm officially enrolled in 14 Hills. It's a magazine (really a book - not sure why it's called a mag...) that our school edits & publishes of local writers. So we'll see. Hope it's up my alley and I'm not in over my head. I even found the professor on Myspace so how bad can it really be??

First Day Back

So I had my first class of the semester today and I'm in love with the professor. She is just my style and very refreshing after last semester. However...she made it very clear that she only thought end-of-the-program grads should be in the course bc people in their first year should be working on their writing. Apparently I'm just not far enough along in the program. And she's been teaching the course for so many years I feel like I'd be a dummy not to take her advice. The only reason I even enrolled in the class was because I really felt like I clicked with her and that's huge. So now I'm not sure what I'll do. If I drop I'll be down to one class and that's pathetic. So we'll see...I'm still thinking things over.

And the most exciting aspect of my evening was watching tv with Ashley & Corey. Nothing was on so we turned our attention to On Demand. Low & Behold - they have a San Fran singles link and we got to see about 30-40 singles videos...oh my! You can imagine they were quite the magnificent catch. I sincerely hope that all of you have this same access point and that you too can meet singles in your area. If not, come visit and we'll bask in the delight of singledom.

Ahhh

I can finally relax and not worry about living this back & forth in between unsettled life. Finally I unpacked all six of my suitcases and bags and got organized. My floors have never been so clean - they got swept, vacuumed and even swiffered. I also dusted (not with pledge Jen) off every surface in the bedroom and tried my darndest to make more use of the spaces. I'm feeling very content in my clean & very large room.

The only thing I put off till the end (I hope!) has been fixed. I can't figure out how to set up a line for my phone & a second for my fax. Seriously. It's been going on for months and I finally set some time aside to get it to work properly so I dont have to keep pluggiing & unplugging my phone during work. VERY annoying for all parites. That and work's been paying for the second line for a few months now...

Classes start up again tomorrow. Boo. At least I'm down to only two days a week, two classes, one class each night. Seems doable.

With no scheduled trips to LA I might actually be here for a few weeks now. As much as I'm going to miss everyone there, it's no fun to live out of your suitcase for 6 straight weeks. I'm craving some routine normalcy.

BJ...Mr. Novak?

On my Sunday flight to LA I saw B.J. Novak (Ryan from The Office) sitting in first class. Days before I'd finished watching every last episode available. I wanted to at least tell him that I'm a huge fan of the show, but I wasn't sure how to address him...Mr. Novak? Seems old. But then BJ is just awkward. Unfortunately when I asked to use the restroom the flight attendant pointed me back to the main cabin instead of my well-planned out route past Novak's seat. Boo.

Last night D and I went with a few work people to a children's charity sponsored event put on by the Anaheim Ducks. The theme was 20's inspired flappers & gangsters. We had such a great time and even walked away with 4 bottles of champagne from our gambling winnings.

And hours ago they reported that Heath Ledger passed away from a possible o.d. on sleeping pills. All sorts of stories are flying as to where and in what state he was found. It's very sad news and it's just looming over me like a dark cloud. Strange how some news affects you more than others. This is just one of those things that's sticking with me.

Sorry to be such a deb.

The Writer's Strike

Until now (about five minutes ago, in fact) the writer's strike hasnt' personally affected me. That was until I got compeltely caught up on Season 4 of The Office (thanks to http://www.sidereel.com/ and David S for leading me there). And now I feel helpless and distraught. I haven't been addicted to a show like this in a long time. I had no idea what I was missing out on. And I'm completly in love with John Krasinski and I want to be Pam. There. I said it.

The upside to spending $245 on groceries is that you feel too guilty to go off plan because you spent so much money. Maybe that was ediets' plan all along. Kudos - a genius idea.

$245 Groceries.

Some might say I haven't blogged in awhile. And those people would be correct. I only feel comfortable blogging in the city...is that weird?

So I made it home in record timing yesterday. I wasn't the least bit nervous on my drive. I chalk this up to a number of factors: there wasn't a raindrop in sight, I didn't have anyone watching me drive (you know like when someone is watching you type and you suddenly start making a bunch of typos that you wouldn't normally make?), and lastly my brand new gps. I'm still thinking of a name for her, but it's tentatively Olivia. Not to brag or anything, but my speed even reached a whopping 93 mph on the 5. For a self-proclaimed grandma driver, I felt like quite the rebel on the open road.

Onto more pressing matters: the new diet. I've been really wanting to try something new because I'm clearly not sticking to WW so I decided to try out ediets.com - they plan out a daily menu based on all the questions you answer at only $4.50 a week. You can even print out a categorized grocery list. Genius. What's not so genius is that instead of signing up for the $115/week fresh food daily delivery service, I opted for the $245-on-groceries plan and I still have to prepare the food!! Even the cashier asked "Throwing a party, huh?" to which I sheepishly replied, "No...I'm just starting a new diet so we'll see how it goes." I've never taken up an entire conveyer belt. So when this month runs out I might consider switching to the delivery plan but for now I'm remaining positive. Wish me luck!!